[06PacRimLPolyJ497] Why Taiwan Is Not Hong Kong: A Review of the PRC's "One Country Two Systems" Model for Reunification with Taiwan

Abstract:

Author: Sean Cooney B.A. (Hons), LL.M. (Melb.) (1993) is a Lecturer in Law and an Associate Director
of the Asian Law Centre at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Abstract: This article critically examines the "One Country Two Systems" model
(OCTS) developed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) for achieving the
reunification of Taiwan. The model is in many respects the same as that already applied
in Hong Kong. The PRC promises that under OCTS, the Taiwanese will enjoy a "high
degree of autonomy", be "masters in their own house" and maintian their way of life.
However, in contrast to the people of Hong Kong, who have never enjoyed full
democracy, the Taiwanese have achieved a much greater degree of autonomy and
accountability than is possible under OCTS. The OCTS model cannot therefore deliver
what it promises. The Article demonstrates this by comparing OCTS as elaborated in the
Basic Law of Hong Kong with the current constitutional and political arrangements in
Taiwan.